The Florida Keys is ready for groups again, with several resorts reopening this year, including the 214-room Cheeca Lodge & Spa located in Islamorada.
After a six-month closure brought on by impact from Hurricane Irma, Cheeca Lodge returns on March 30 with a fresh new look. A $25 million renovation revamped every part of the 27-acre luxury resort, from the main lodge to the guest rooms to the event spaces and dining outlets.
That refresh starts at the arrival experience, where attendees will be greeted with a fluid design—inspired by the ebbs and flows of the surrounding waters—that encourages connectivity in the new lobby lounge. A tri-panel painting depicting a tarpon, silver-scaled fish engaged with a fisherman spans the welcome desk, not only showing off some of the local artwork, but also the local pastimes. Even the colors and textures used in the lobby and adjacent bar highlight the surrounding Islamorada flats, with naturally weathered woods matched by green and aqua colors that mimic the ocean hues.
The reopening includes the debut of Mia Cucina, a new Italian dining concept serving up Neapolitan, made-to-order artisanal pizzas. The property’s Nikai Sushi Bar & Restaurant will feature a new menu of poke bowls and creative ramen dishes, while its flagship restaurant, Atlantic’s Edge, will have a new look as well as updates to its island-inspired menu, including dishes such as the roasted red snapper with dragon fruit and hibiscus swordfish.
The property’s 4,600 sf of indoor meeting space even underwent a renovation, while several outdoor venues, including a brainstorming spot on the 525-foot fishing pier, are also available. Of course, groups will also want to take advantage of Cheeca Lodge’s location with onsite water sports, fishing excursions and eco-tours that teach attendees about Florida Keys wildlife.
Soon to follow, the resort’s oceanfront pool will open in May, expanding the property’s offerings to three pools. A second Tiki Bar, dubbed South 25, will also open to attendees who want to end their week of meetings with a refreshing island-inspired cocktail.
